Before Roberto Carlos, before Juninho, there was NELINHO! The Brazilian right-back struck a free kick against Italy in Argentina 1978 that bent so dramatically it looked like a computer glitch. The ball started heading towards the corner flag, then curved back at impossible angles and smashed into the net. Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff — one of the greatest keepers in history — did not even react. He just watched it fly in with his mouth wide open!
Country: Brazil Opponent: Italy Year: 1978 Round: Third-place match Score: Brazil 2-1 Italy Minute: 63'
The Moment
- Nelinho struck the free kick from wide on the right with extreme swerve using the outside of his boot
- The ball curved dramatically from an almost impossible angle past the legendary Dino Zoff
- It is considered one of the first 'banana free kicks' in World Cup history
- Brazil won the third-place match 2-1 against a strong Italian side
- The goal pioneered the swerving free kick technique later perfected by Roberto Carlos and Juninho
The Verdict
Nelinho's free kick was decades ahead of its time and ahead of everyone's understanding. Before sports science, before video analysts, before anyone even understood the physics of swerve — this Brazilian full-back bent a ball past the legendary Dino Zoff in a way that should not have been physically possible. A truly forgotten genius of the beautiful game!
Tomorrow: #20 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
